Peritoneal Dialysis

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (manual exchange) or CAPD

CAPD is a method that requires 4 to 5 exchanges of dialysate bags per day, in accordance with doctor’s instructions. Each bag exchange takes about 30 minutes.

In a first stage, you let the liquid full of toxic substances and excess water go through the catheter out of your abdominal cavity in an empty bag. Then, you fill again the abdominal cavity with dialysate coming from a preheated bag. This liquid will remain in your abdomen until the following bag exchange.

Definition

Peritoneal dialysis is a method that uses the peritoneum (abdominal membrane) as a filter to clean the blood of toxic substances.

Method and objective

A fluid called dialysate is introduced, through a catheter, into the abdominal cavity in order to rebalance the blood plasma. Its components prompt the elimination of excess water and toxic substances produced by the body.

Self-treatment at home

The benefit for the patient is that he/she is independent and remains at home. As a first step, you learn the method at the hospital.

Three Substitution Methods

Mission

Mission of the Nephrology Division

To provide diagnostic and non-surgical care to adult patients with renal disorders, taking into account the services offered by other HUG divisions

To provide diagnoses and treatment for patients with chronic renal failure, emphasizing the use of all applicable measures to slow or stop the progress of their disease, and coordinating the use of interdisciplinary care